BEDC plans to invest in potential Agrium project

January 10, 2013

The Borger Economic Development Corporation has made plans to invest in a potential expansion project for Agrium.
Dan Redd, CEO of the Borger EDC, said the corporation plans on investing $1 million in the project over a 10-year period. The money will be directed toward water wells and supply lines to supply additional water to the City of Borger’s water system as well as the proposed Agrium expansion project.
No final decision has been made on the Agrium project. However, what is proposed is an ammonia plant expansion and new urea production facility.
If the project does move forward, the majority of the construction work would take place in 2014 and 2015 with the plant expansion expected to start up in 2016.
The expansion project will add approximately 30 jobs to the local community, a 40 percent increase in the number of full-time employees Agrium currently has.
In addition, increased permanent contractor support, rail/transportation and other ancillary jobs in and around the plant will be required.
Agrium anticipates approximately 500 workers will be involved.
The cost of the expansion project is estimated to be around $500 million. With the large initial capital investment and the substantial ongoing operating expenditures, the project will have a significant and positive economic impact on Borger and the surrounding area if approved.